Community Government
Seven organizations get 2025 lodging tax grants from city
Seven local organizations will receive funding from the city of Gig Harbor’s lodging tax fund this year after the city council unanimously approved the grants on Monday.
Hotels, B&Bs and similar businesses collect lodging taxes based on the number of rooms in each facility. In Gig Harbor, lodging facilities with more than 25 rooms collect a 7% lodging tax. For facilities with 25 rooms or fewer, the rate is 4%, according to city Finance Director Dave Rodenbach.
State law requires that lodging tax money be used to promote tourism – or, in the vernacular – “put heads in beds.”
Grant criteria
Among other criteria, lodging tax applicants must demonstrate that their programs or activities bring out-of-towners to Gig Harbor. They also must show how they will promote the activities, and, if they have received lodging tax funds in the past, how the grant money helped attract tourists.
They must also estimate the number of overnight stays their event generated.
The city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommends how to allocate lodging tax proceeds before the council decides. By law, the advisory committee is composed of four representatives from business that collect the tax; four representatives from organizations that can be funded by the tax; and a local elected official, who chairs the committee.
The Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, designated as the city’s official tourism arm under the “Visit Gig Harbor” moniker, will receive $480,000 in both 2025 and 2026 to promote Gig Harbor as a tourist destination.
Organizations that received lodging tax grants Monday include:
Harbor WildWatch
Harbor WildWatch will receive $27,000 to cover operations costs at the Marine Life Center, located at 3207 Harborview Drive. The center is open to the public five days a week, with marine-themed exhibits including a 1,000-gallon aquarium, a hands-on microscope station and a collection of animal skulls. WildWatch also hosts traveling science exhibits. HWW requested $30,000 from the lodging tax fund.
Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation
The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation will receive $36,000 to help cover costs of the annual Race for Soldier, Invincible Marriage seminar and prayer breakfast, tentatively scheduled for the first week in September. The foundation supports military and law enforcement personnel and their families who are dealing with trauma they experience in the line of duty. The foundation requested $40,000 in grant support.
BoatShop
The Gig Harbor BoatShop received $26,250 to cover operations. Their request was for $35,000. The BoatShop manages the historic Eddon Boatyard and offers “working waterfront” programs throughout the year, including on-the-water activities, family boatbuilding programs, classic boat rentals, Crew School commercial fishing training program, summer camps and other activities.
Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance
The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance was awarded $67,500 in lodging tax funds. Their request was for $75,000 for operational expenses. The alliance organizes events throughout the year including the Chowderfest, Chalk the Harbor, Sip and Stroll and the Farmers Market. They also lead weekly walking tours along the waterfront every summer and provide the flower baskets that decorate downtown light posts during the summer.
Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team
The Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team will receive $11,625 to help pay for the 12th annual Paddlers Cup in April and the Narrows Challenge in October. The grant application shows that the club expects the Paddlers Cup to draw paddlers from as far away as Montana. In the past Narrows Challenge racers have come from throughout the Northwest, California and Canada. The club’s request was for $15,500.
Gig Harbor Film Festival
The Gig Harbor Film Festival will receive $22,500 for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 24 through 28 at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown. The festival draws independent filmmakers and fans from around the country. According to their application, festival organizers anticipate an audience of more than 2,000 for the 2025 event. The festival requested $25,000.
Harbor History Museum
Harbor History Museum will receive $63,000 to help cover costs of exhibits, admissions and the grand opening of the Maritime Gallery in April. HHM requested $70,000 in grant funds.
Welcome Eric Baker
Also at Monday’s council meeting, City Administrator Katrina Knutson introduced Eric Baker as the city’s new community development director. Baker previously worked for Kitsap County for 30 years.
Knutson noted that the city has received more than 100 applications for its new communications director position. The city will interview seven candidates over the next few weeks.